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tutorial: pillowcase-style cushion cover

September 3, 2006 @ 9:33 pm · Filed under Sewing, Tutorials

This is a tutorial for a really simple cushion cover. It’s really quick and easy to make (and cheap!) as it doesn’t require a zip - the cushion is inserted like a pillow into a pillowcase.

  1. Measure your cushion’s length and width. My cushion is a 35.5cm square but any rectangular cushion will work just as well - it doesn’t have to be square.
  2. This is the hardest part - working out the size of fabric you need. Add 2x the seam allowance to the width (I’m allowing 1cm for my seams, so I need a 37.5cm width). For the length, you’ll need twice the length of the cushion, plus a flap on one end, and a finished edge on the other.
    • I chose a big 12cm flap, so the cushion will always be well hidden inside the case. I also saved some work by cutting my fabric so the selvedge formed the edge of the flap. It saves having to finish another raw edge, and the edge of the flap will be hidden, so it doesn’t have to be very pretty. If you don’t use the selvedge, add a little extra to your flap so you can finish this edge in the same way as you’ll finish the other edge.
    • You’ll need a double fold on the other end, so add slightly more than twice your seam allowance (20mm for me, so I used 25mm).


    Okay, so my rectangle to cut is 85.5cm x 37.5cm. That’s the hard part over - promise! It’s all easy from here.

  3. Cut your fabric to the size you worked out. Here’s mine with the cushion for comparison.
  4. Now to finish the raw short edge on the right (the edge opposite the selvedge). Starting with the fabric face down, fold the edge over by half of the extra you added (12mm for me), and press in place. You may find it easier to pin the fold before pressing. 
  5. Fold over by the same amount again, to trap the raw edge inside the fold. Press in place.
  6. Sew along the whole edge to keep the folds in place.
  7. Starting with the fabric right side up, with the selvedge at the top, bring the edge you have just finished up so the fabric has a fold at the bottom. Arrange it so that the length of the flap is uncovered by the second layer of fabric (see picture: 12cm of the right side of the fabric shows at the top; the fold is off the bottom of the picture): 
  8. Fold the flap down over the top of the second layer. Pin along both sides of the cushion cover.
  9. Sew along each of the sides, from top to bottom.
  10. That’s it! Turn your new cushion cover inside out and press. Then insert your cushion and admire your handiwork!

I hope this tutorial is useful - please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

13 Comments »

  1. jill Said,

    January 15, 2007 @ 11:05 pm

    Hi. I found this pattern throguh a link from Craftster. I was dreading making this pillow, but your tutorial made it very easy. Thanks!

  2. Shana Said,

    January 28, 2007 @ 8:18 pm

    Hi. You write fantastic tutorials. Would you be interested in posting any of them at Craftacular?

  3. Paperdaisies Said,

    February 22, 2007 @ 11:06 pm

    Hey there!

    I discovered your tutorial here somehow (I think it was from Craftster.org) and I just used it to make a cushion cover for a swap I am doing there.Your tute was wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing! I was so happy to find a pattern for a cushion cover that didn’t require a zipper or buttons! Thanks again!

    -Rosie

    Ps. I made a felt applique thingy to go on the front, I can’t show you yet…but when my partner has received I’ll send you a pic if you like!

  4. mags Said,

    May 6, 2007 @ 2:47 am

    Hi
    Very easily explained, well done. Can you now do the same for other basic household things. I would like to make curtains properly, of various designs but don’t follow diagrams too well. I have always hoped that someone would bring out a dvd or video on how to sew and to use various applications and you did this one well so it’s worth asking.
    Thanks
    mags

  5. Stoff-Junkie.de » Blog Archive » Kissen, Decken, Hussen - Linkliste (cushions, pillows, blankets, coussin, couverture) Said,

    August 14, 2007 @ 8:17 am

    [...] Einfache Kissenhülle [...]

  6. Stoff-Junkie.de » Blog Archive » Neu eingetragene Links (seit 14.07.07) Said,

    August 15, 2007 @ 8:38 am

    [...] Einfache Kissenhülle [...]

  7. Stoff-Junkie.de » Blog Archive » Neu eingetragene Links ab 14.7. Said,

    August 17, 2007 @ 4:17 am

    [...] Einfache Kissenhülle [...]

  8. mclianne Said,

    October 16, 2007 @ 12:58 am

    Awesome! You saved my life tonight making a last minute swap item. I wasn’t looking forward to whipstitching my pillow cover closed by hand at 1 am. You saved me from having to do that!

  9. Squishy « Cueillette des Champignons Said,

    February 25, 2008 @ 8:39 am

    [...] February 25, 2008 by Bean I’ve just finished sewing this cushion cover. It’s from this tutorial. [...]

  10. Almohadones de solo tres costuras - Las Manualidades Said,

    February 26, 2008 @ 10:14 am

    [...] Vía|PlanetJune Más noticias sobre: Decoración, Manualidades, Tejido Tags: almohadones, almohadones artesanales, costuras, Manualidades, manualidades decorativas, manualidades hogareñas, manualidades para el hogar, manualidades sencillas [...]

  11. del Said,

    March 26, 2008 @ 2:28 am

    Hi thanks for instructions, just what i wanted I may even take a picture if they look good enough. You don’t have an easy pattern for sofa covers do you?

  12. Mary Said,

    May 6, 2008 @ 8:59 am

    Hi, Great step by step, but do you have a cushion cover, same style but my large pillows are like an old fashion baby mattress. How do I make it fit properly. Its OK if you don’t know.

  13. Eddy Said,

    June 7, 2008 @ 3:25 am

    I have just resigned from police to pursue a course in fashion designing.
    no question about it, I need your help. God bless you.

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